Electrical switch system for a house or the like

ABSTRACT

An electrical power system for a house or the like, where there is a master switch by which outlets throughout the house may be turned off, without interfering with the subsequent activation of the outlets through individual local switch assemblies for the various outlets. Operation of the master switch causes a momentary interruption of current in the electrical distribution lines in the house. Each of the outlets or groups of outlets is provided with a respective switch assembly comprising a relay switch that is held in a closed position by activation of a holding circuit, which in turn is supplied with power through the relay switch. Thus the momentary interruption of current by the master switch causes momentary deactivation of the holding circuits of the switch assemblies of these various outlets to cause them to move to their off position and thus de-energize these outlets throughout the house. The various outlets can be later individually turned on and off by means of an on-off switch means in the individual switch assemblies.

Unite State s Hudson atent [1 1 Jan. 114, 1975 ELECTRICAL SWITCH SYSTEMFOR A HOUSE OR THE LIKE 22 Filed: Aug. 13, 1973 21 Appl. 110.; 388,112

OTHER PUBLICATIONS J. Pitts, Jr. Relays and Their Operation Electronics,March 1951, pgs. 53,54. G. E. Publication Manual, Remote Control WiringSystem pgs. 1-6, 10-16, 2225, 09011958. Square D Manual, Low VoltageControl pgs. 5-12, 0505-1949.

Primary ExaminerDonald J. Yusko Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Graybeal,Barnard, Uhlir & Hughes [57] ABSTRACT An electrical power system for ahouse or the like, where there is a master switch by which outletsthroughout the house may be turned off, without interfering with thesubsequent activation of the outlets through individual local switchassemblies for the various outlets. Operation of the master switchcauses a momentary interruption of current in the electricaldistribution lines in the house. Each of the outlets or groups ofoutlets is provided with a respective switch assembly comprising a relayswitch that is held in a closed position by activation of a holdingcircuit, which in turn is supplied with power through the relay switch.Thus the momentary interruption of current by the master switch causesmomentary deactivation of the holding circuits of the switch assembliesof these various outlets to cause them to move to their off position andthus de-energize these outlets throughout the house. The various outletscan be later individually turned on and off by means of an on-off switchmeans in the individual switch assemblies.

11 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures 3 r 5 62 7/ 72 l 64- r A) l PATENTED3.860.910

SHEET 1 [IF 2 ELECTRICAL SWITQH SYSTEM FOR A HOUSE OR THE LIKEBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The presentinvention relates generally to electrical power distribution systems forhouses, and more particularly to a switch control system for the same.

2. Description of the Prior Art In present day electrical power wiringsystems for houses and the like, there is generally an outside powerline leading to the house and connecting to a distribution box in thehouse (i.e., fuse box or circuit breaker box). From the distributionbox, a plurality of distribution lines lead to various parts of thehouse, with a plurality of power outlets usually being connected to eachsuch distribution line. Operation of the various outlets is usuallyaccomplished by related individual switches in approximately the samearea as its outlet or outlets.

With these conventional present day wiring systems, there is the commonproblem of a person in the household having to travel through the housewith almost daily frequency to turn off the various lights that havebeen left burning. However, in spite of the existence of thisinconvenience for so many people for such an extended period of time, tothe best knowledge of the applicant herein, there has been no solutionto this problem of a sufficiently practical nature to generate anywidespread commercial acceptance of the same. Thus there still existsthe problem of how to provide a more convenient operating system for theelectrical power system of a house.

While a search of the prior art in the form of United States patents didnot disclose any patents directed to the same subject matter as thepresent invention, the following patents are cited by way of backgroundinformation: Hull, U.S. Pat. No. 2,507,976; Spinelli et al., U.S. Pat.No. 3,172,020; Ree, U.S. Pat. No. 3,376,467; Dunn et al., U.S. Pat. No.3,486,068; Lindroth, U.S. Pat. No. 3,501,645; and Newman, U.S. Pat. No.3,581,276.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrical powersystem for a house or the like which in a practical and effective mannerprovides for remote deactivation of various predetermined outlets,without otherwise interfering with their normal operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is especially adapted forinstallation in a house or the like, where there are a plurality ofpower outlets at various locations. In the present invention, there isprovided a master switch means which momentarily interrupts power to theoutlets and their related individual switch assemblies. In the preferredform, the master switch means comprises a normally closed relay orrelays connected in series with the power distribution line or lines ofthe house and a master switch at a predetermined operating locationarranged to energize the relay to cause it to open momentarily.

Each of the individual switch assemblies comprises a first normally openswitch connected to its related outlet and having a closed positionwhere it delivers power to the outlet. A holding circuit is arranged tohold said first switch in its closed position, and this holding circuitis in turn connected to the first switch so as to be energized therebywhen the first switch is in its closed position. Each switch assembly isalso provided with individual on-off means to selectively close or openthe first switch means independently of the operation of the masterswitch. In the preferred form, the on-off switch comprises an on switchconnected in parallel with the first switch, and an of switch which inone embodiment is in parallel with the holding circuit so as to be ableto short circuit the same, and in a second embodiment is in series withthe holding circuit.

Other features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is an isometric view of a houseillustrating schematically the switch system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a first embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of a second embodiment of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention isespecially adapted for application to the electrical power system of aconventional house or the like, either as part of the originalelectrical system installation, or as a retrofit into a house with anexisting electrical system. In the following description, first theusual components which exist in a conventional house electrical systemwill be briefly disclosed, after which the over all system of thepresent invention will be described.

In FIG. 1, the control system of the present invention is shown in atypical installation in a home. There is a house structure 10 havingelectrical power lines 12 coming into the house and connecting through ameter 14 to a distribution box 16 (i.e., a fuse box or circuit breakerbox). From the box 16, a plurality of lines lead to different areas ofthe house, three such lines being indicated at 18, 20 and 22. The line18 provides power for the left rear portion of the house 10, one of thepower outlets for the line 18 being indicated as a rear side door light24. The line 20 provides power for the front left portion of the house,with three outlets being shown, namely an overhead light 26, a lowerwall socket 28 and another lower wall socket 30. The third line 22supplies power to a pair of outside lights 32 and As indicatedpreviously herein, the system of the present invention is so arrangedthat a predetermined group of power outlets of the house 10 can beswitched off from a master location, without interfering with thesubsequent normal operation of the operating switches proximate thesevarious power outlets. Thus, with reference to FIG. 1, in accordancewith the present invention, there is a master switch 36, which is shownherein as being located at an upstairs location of the house 10 (forexample, in the master bedroom of the house). Each of the power outlets24-34 has a related operating switch assembly, given the same numericaldesignation as its related switch, with an a suffix identifying theswitch. Thus, the light 24 has an associated switch assembly 24a, theoverhead lamp 26 has its associated switch assembly 26a, etc. As will bedisclosed more fully hereinafter, operation of the master switch 36causes the outlets 24-34 to become de-energized, with each of the poweroutlets 24-34 being capable of being energized again simply by operationof its related one of the switch assemblies 24a-34a.

Each of the lines 18, and 22 is connected to the distribution box 16through an associated relay which is normally closed. For convenience ofillustration, in FIG. 1 the relays are not shown individually but theirlocation is indicated as being positioned in a suitable container 38below the distribution box 16.

In FIG. 2, there is shown a circuit diagram for line 20, it beingunderstood that the circuitry for the other lines 18 and 22 issubstantially the same as shown in FIG. 2. The line 20 comprises a hotline 20a and a ground line 20b. There is the master switch 36, which isnormally open, this function being indicated schematically in the formof a tension spring 40 holding the switch 36 in its open position. Theswitch 36 is connected to a relay 42 (located at 38, as illustrated inFIG. 1) in a manner to energize the solenoid 44 of the relay 42 to movethe relay switch 46 to its open position. The relay switch 46 isconnected in series with the hot line 20a and is normally closed, thisbeing indicated schematically by the tension spring 48 urging the switch46 to its closed position.

A plurality of power outlets are connected in series with the relayswitch 46, as at 26 and 28, each outlet having an associated switchassembly 26a and 28a, respectively. The various switch assemblies, as at26a and 28a, are all substantially identical, so only the one at 28a hasthe details of its circuitry illustrated.

The switch assembly 28a comprises a normally open on switch 58 toenergize the power outlet 28, and a normally open off switch 60 tode-energize the outlet 28. There is a relay 62 comprising a switch 64which is urged to its open position by suitable means, shownschematically herein as a tension spring 66. A solenoid 68 of the relay62 when activated moves the relay switch 64 to its closed position andholds it there so long as the solenoid 68 remains energized. The onswitch 58 and the relay switch 64 are connected in parallel to oneanother, with the two switches 58 and 64 being in series with the outlet54 and also in series with a resistor 70.

The resistor 70 is connected in parallel with the input side of atransformer 71, with the output of the transformer 71 being directedinto a rectifier 72 to supply a DC voltage. The DC output of therectifier 72 is directed by means of leads 74 to the solenoid 68 toenergize the same.

To describe the operation of the circuitry illustrated in FIG. 2, therelay switch 64 is shown in FIG. 2 in its open position so that theoutlet 28 (i.e., a lamp) is deenergized. In this condition no current isflowing through the lamp 28 nor through the switch assembly 28a. To turnon the light 28, the on switch 58 is closed momentarily to send currentthrough the lamp 2 8 and resistor 70. Since there is a voltage dropacross the resistor 70, the transformer 71 is energized to cause therectifier 72 to provide a DC output to energize in turn the solenoid 68of the relay 62. The immediate effect is to close the relay switch 64which thus forms a power connection through the resistor 68. Thus, whenthe on switch 58 is released, power continues to be delivered to thetransformer 71 through the closed switch 64, so that the relay solenoid68 remains activated to hold the relay switch 64 closed. Thus theresistor 70, transformer 71, rectifier 72 and solenoid 68 perform aholding function to keep the outlet 28 energized so long as power issupplied thereto.

When it is desired to turn off the light 28 locally, the off switch 60is closed momentarily. This switch 60 is in parallel with the rest ofthe components of the switch assembly 28a, so that closure of the switch60 effectively shorts out these other components so that substantiallyno power is supplied thereto. With power thus being cut off to thetransformer 71 and thus also being cut off to the relay solenoid 68, therelayswitch 64 moves to its open position and remains there untilsubseqent closure of the on switch 58.

To proceed to the description of the over all system of the presentinvention, reference is now made to FIG. 1. Let it be assumed that anumber of the switching assemblies 24a-34a in their closed positions andthat their associated outlets are thus energized. (In other words, letit be assumed that a number of lights have been left on throughout thehouse 10.) When the master switch 36 is pushed to its closed position,the several line relays (one being relay 42) in the box 38 are energizedto briefly interrupt the flow of current to the lines 18, 20 and 22. Assoon as current is even momentarily in terrupted to any of the switchassemblies 24a-34a, each such switch assembly automatically goes to itsoff position, in the manner described above with reference to FIG. 2.That is to say, the holding solenoid 68 of the relay 64 in itsrespective switch assembly is deenergized, which permits its associatedrelay switch 64 to move to its open position, where it remains until itsrelated on switch 58 is momentarily closed.

In electrical power. distribution systems, it is desirable to havecertain outlets remain on, regardless of the operation of themasterswitch 36. Thus, there is shown in FIG. 1 an ouetlet 80 (which may be awall socket) not provided with a switch assembly such as that shown at28a. It may be that this outlet 80 is used, for example, to operate arefrigerator, air conditioner or other appliance which is not intendedto be shut off. When the master switch 36 is closed momentarily, thereis only a momentary interruption of current to the lines 18 through 22,and as soon as the master switch 36 is released, power is restored tothe outlet 80. Also one or more of the power distribution lines (e.g.,perhaps one which supplies power to the furnace of the house) may bemade completely independent of the master switch, simply by notproviding such line with a line relay, such as relay 42. Thus, operationof the master switch 36 would have no effect on that line.

A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3.Components of this second embodiment which correspond functionally tocomponents in the first embodiment will be given like numericaldesignations with an a suffix distinguishing those of the secondembodiment. Thus, there is a relay 62a, resistor a, transformer 71a, thetransformer 71a providing a DC output from the rectifier 72a to energizethe solenoid 68a of the relay 62a. The on switch 58a momentarilysupplies power tothe transformer 71a and rectifier 72a as in the firstembodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodimentessentially in the disposition of the "off switch 60a. This off switch600 is normally closed and is arranged in series with the relay switch64a. To turn the switch assembly to its off position, the switch 600 ismoved momentarily to its open position to interrupt current to thesolenoid 68a and cause the relay switch 64a to spring open. As in thefirst embodiment, the relay switch 64a remains open until the on switch68a is subsequently closed. As in the first embodiment, m0- mentaryinterruption of current to the switch assembly by closing of the masterswitch 36a moves the switch assembly 56a to its open position.

In the event that there is an existing electrical system in a house, toconvert this system to that of the present invention, first the linerelays (such as relay 42) would be installed in the appropriatedistribution lines. Then at each of the outlets which are to be turnedoff by operation of the master switch, there is installed a relatedswitch assembly, such as shown in FIGS. 2 or 3. Thereafter the systemwould operate as described above.

What is claimed is:

1. In an electrical power system for a house or the like, where thereare a plurality of power outlets at various locations, a system whichprovides for individual operation of said outlets at their relatedlocations for both activation and deactivation of related outlets, andalso for deactivation of said outlets from a master loca tion withoutinterference with subsequent individual activation and deactivation ofsaid outlets, said system comprising:

a. a plurality of switch assemblies, each of which is operativelyconnected to at least a related one of said outlets for individualoperation thereof, each switch assembly comprising:

1. a first normally open switch connected to its related outlet andhaving a closed position where it delivers power to said outlet and anopen position where power is not delivered to said outlet,

2. holding circuit means to hold said first switch in its closedposition to transmit power to its related outlet,

3. said holding circuit means being connected to said first switch to beenergized by said first switch in its closed position, in a manner thatclosure of said first switch causes activation of said holding circuitto maintain said first switch in its closed position, and

4. other on-off means proximate the location of its related outlet andoperatively connected to said first switch to move said first switchbetween its open and closed positions,

b. master switch means having an operating position to momentarilyinterrupt power to said switch assemblies whereby when said masterswitch means is moved to its operating position, each switch assemblyhas its holding circuit deactivated to cause its related first switch toreturn to its normally open position, whereupon operation of masterswitch causes deactivation of all of said switch assemblies, whichremain deactivated until subsequent activation, as by its related on-offmeans.

2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said master switch meanscomprises relay means having a normally closed relay switch, and amaster control switch having an operative position to momentarilyactivate said relay means to move the relay switch to its open position.

3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said onoff means comprisesan on switch connected in parallel with said first switch means, wherebyclosure of said on switch causes activation of said holding circuit tomove said first switch to its closed position.

4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said onoff means comprisesa normally open off switch connected in parallel with said holdingcircuit means, whereby closure of said off switch shorts out saidholding circuit means to cause said first switch to move to its openposition.

5. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said onoff means comprisesa normally closed off switch connected in series with said first switch,whereby opening of said off switch interrupts power to said holdingcircuit means to permit said first switch to open.

6. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein said first switch is arelay switch, and said holding circuit means comprises a solenoid tomove said relay switch to its closed position upon activation of thesolenoid.

7. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein said holding circuitcomprises rectifier means to deliver direct current to said solenoidmeans.

8. The system as recited in claim 7, wherein said holding circuitfurther comprises a transformer to deliver current to said rectifiermeans.

9. The system as recited in claim 6, wherein said onoff means comprisesan on switch connected in parallel with said first switch, wherebyclosure of said on switch delivers power to said holding circuit meansto cause closure of said first switch.

10. The system as recited in claim 9, wherein said master switch meanscomprises relay means having a normally closed relay switch, and amaster control switch having an operative position to momentarilyactivate said relay means to move the relay switch to its open position.

11. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein:

a. said master switch means comprises relay means having a normallyclosed relay switch, and a master control switch having an operativeposition to momentarily activate said relay means to move the relayswitch to its open position,

b. said on-off means comprises an on switch connected in parallel withsaid first switch means, whereby closure of said on switch causesactivation of said holding circuit to move said first switch to itsclosed position,

0. said on-off means further comprises an off switch which has anoperative position to interrupt current to said holding circuit means tocause said first switch to open, and

(1. said holding circuit means comprising relay means, with said firstswitch being a relay switch, and a relay solenoid which when activatedcauses closure of said relay switch.

1. In an electrical power system for a house or the like, where thereare a plurality of power outlets at various locations, a system whichprovides for individual operation of said outlets at their relatedlocations for both activation and deactivation of related outlets, andalso for deactivation of said outlets from a master location withoutinterference with subsequent individual activation and deactivation ofsaid outlets, said system comprising: a. a plurality of switchassemblies, each of which is operatively connected to at least a relatedone of said outlets for individual operation thereof, each switchassembly comprising:
 1. a first normally open switch connected to itsrelated outlet and having a closed position where it delivers power tosaid outlet and an open position where power is not delivered to saidoutlet,
 2. holding circuit means to hold said first switch in its closedposition to transmit power to its related outlet,
 3. said holdingcircuit means being connected to said first switch to be energized bysaid first switch in its closed position, in a manner that closure ofsaid first switch causes activation of said holding circuit to maintainsaid first switch in its closed position, and
 4. other on-off meansproximate the location of its related outlet and operatively connectedto said first switch to move said first switch between its open andclosed positions, b. master switch means having an operating position tomomentarily interrupt power to said switch assemblies whereby when saidmaster switch means is moved to its operating position, each switchassembly has its holding circuit deactivated to cause its related firstswitch to return to its normally open position, whereupon operation ofmaster switch causes deactivation of all of said switch assemblies,which remain deactivated until subsequent activation, as by its relatedon-off means.
 2. holding circuit means to hold said first switch in itsclosed position to transmit power to its related outlet,
 2. The systemas recited in claim 1, wherein said master switch means comprises relaymeans having a normally closed relay switch, and a master control switchhaving an operative position to momentarily activate said relay means tomove the relay switch to its open position.
 3. The system as recited inclaim 1, wherein said on-off means comprises an on switch connected inparallel with said first switch means, whereby closure of said on switchcauses activation of said holding circuit to move said first switch toits closed position.
 3. said holding circuit means being connected tosaid first switch to be energized by said first switch in its closedposition, in a manner that closure of said first switch causesactivation of said holding circuit to maintain said first switch in itsclosed position, and
 4. other on-off means proximate the location of itsrelated outlet and operatively connected to said first switch to movesaid first switch between its open and closed positions, b. masterswitch means having an operating position to momentarily interrupt powerto said switch assemblies whereby when said master switch means is movedto its operating position, each switch assembly has its holding circuitdeactivated to cause its related first switch to return to its normallyopen position, whereupon operation of master switch causes deactivationof all of said switch assemblies, which remain deactivated untilsubsequent activation, as by its related on-off means.
 4. The system asrecited in claim 1, wherein said on-off means comprises a normally openoff switch connected in parallel with said holding circuit means,whereby closure of said off switch shorts out said holding circuit meansto cause said first switch to move to its open position.
 5. The systemas recited in claim 1, wherein said on-off means comprises a normallyclosed off switch connected in series with said first switch, wherebyopening of said off switch interrupts power to said holding circuitmeans to permit said first switch to open.
 6. The system as recited inclaim 1, wherein said first switch is a relay switch, and said holdingcircuit means comprises a solenoid to move said relay switch to itsclOsed position upon activation of the solenoid.
 7. The system asrecited in claim 6, wherein said holding circuit comprises rectifiermeans to deliver direct current to said solenoid means.
 8. The system asrecited in claim 7, wherein said holding circuit further comprises atransformer to deliver current to said rectifier means.
 9. The system asrecited in claim 6, wherein said on-off means comprises an on switchconnected in parallel with said first switch, whereby closure of said onswitch delivers power to said holding circuit means to cause closure ofsaid first switch.
 10. The system as recited in claim 9, wherein saidmaster switch means comprises relay means having a normally closed relayswitch, and a master control switch having an operative position tomomentarily activate said relay means to move the relay switch to itsopen position.
 11. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein: a. saidmaster switch means comprises relay means having a normally closed relayswitch, and a master control switch having an operative position tomomentarily activate said relay means to move the relay switch to itsopen position, b. said on-off means comprises an on switch connected inparallel with said first switch means, whereby closure of said on switchcauses activation of said holding circuit to move said first switch toits closed position, c. said on-off means further comprises an offswitch which has an operative position to interrupt current to saidholding circuit means to cause said first switch to open, and d. saidholding circuit means comprising relay means, with said first switchbeing a relay switch, and a relay solenoid which when activated causesclosure of said relay switch.